I need to have keys made for the doors on a car (key was lost). How much should it cost to take the driver's door lock to a locksmith and get new keys made using the key code on the lock cylinder? Any idea where I can get an original key blank?Thanks!

A locksmith can cut a key with just the code, they do not need the lock. Key Men (key-men.com) cuts keys by code for $6.95 per key and the last I checked have about every original GM key. I believe every Briggs and Stratton key is $7.95 each. I've never had them cut a key but I've bought many original keys on several occasions and have had good service every time.

Larry Claypool can do one by mail order... or you can take the lock cylinder in with you. I'd say $25 would be "fair" but I wouldn't be surprised if it were more. (Locksmiths have to make a living you know...)

For most GM vehicles through the late seventies, there should be a four digit code on the cylinder that you can take to a good locksmith shop and have a key made by code.

If you plan on removing a door cylinder, take it from the passenger side. It will be in better overall condition with less wear and more likely to have the code number on it.

If you need the trunk key, remove the glove box lock and take it to the locksmith who can take it apart to obtain the code number. They are easy to take apart unless you have no idea how to do it which is why I suggest having the locksmith do it.

Ford vehicles use a code series that start with FA or FB for their keys, I don't remember what the Mopar codes were.

The door lock code is on the outside of the assembly, so passenger or driver side should make no difference. Unless you think the fuzzie is more worn on the driver's door, allowing more moisture into the door innards.

Now if it a newer car with an electronic key, add at least $100 to the above range of replies....

The Chilton manual says the driver's door lock is the one that has the key code on it. Not sure if this is accurate, as so much of the info in Chilton manuals is generic. Wish I didn't have to remove the door panel to get the lock out.

I tried calling half a dozen locksmiths today. Only one answered the phone. One number was disconnected, and the rest I got answering machines. The one I got hold of I asked how much if I don't remove the lock for the key code and was told $170 to come out and do it. Wish my customers would pay me that much for one hour on-site visit!!! The Ace Hardware said all they can do is copy keys. Jeez.

Frank DuVal Wrote:-------------------------------------------------------> The door lock code is on the outside of the> assembly, so passenger or driver side should make> no difference. Unless you think the fuzzie is more> worn on the driver's door, allowing more moisture> into the door innards.>> Now if it a newer car with an electronic key, add> at least $100 to the above range of replies....>> Original blanks appear on eBay all the time.>> Try this pdf for blank uses:>> [www.ekeyblanks.com]>> Frank DuVal

Frank is right about the codes being on both sides.

It however was mentioned that this was not for a Corvair and did not specifically mention that it was for a GM product. In later years if my memory serves, some cars only had the code on the passenger side lock.

Foreign cars for example often did not have the code on the lock, but on a paper tag in the glove box. Over the years things get lost, changed, swapped out, or damaged which makes this more difficult to get a key from a code number.

The main reason for using the passenger side it that they typically have much less wear than the driver side.

If the lock does not have a code number on it for some reason like replacement over the years, it would be the better one to dis-assemble to make a key from.

I have not kept up with the automotive side of Locksmithing over the years so there is a chance my memory is fuzzy. By the time I started working as a Locksmith in 1979 the locks I typically saw were a bit different than the Corvair cylinders.

I just had to get a key made for my parts car, didn't get the key with the car. Frank made mine and they where a perfect fit. But since this isn't for a corvair, I did call a local locksmith. He wanted $35.00 to make a key, if I brought them the lock.

The cost for the keys shouldn't be anything to pricey so make sure you weigh all your options before you make the decision. The costs vary depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle. Any reputable locksmith or dealership should be able to help you out as long as you have the key code and the price for this can range anywhere from $4 to $20. I believe a locksmith or a dealership will be able to help you acquire a copy of the key blank. I was faced with the same issue a while ago and i needed to find out what my options were and this article was a good resource for me. If you need information on how to find your key code check this out for good measure.